Greater New Orleans

La. Senator Calls for Domestic Violence Hearing

As James Magee, suspect in the murder of his wife and young son was ordered held without bond at a court hearing, Sen. Sharon Weston Broome, head of the Select Committee on Women and Childrens' Issues said she "would take all legislative means necessary to protect famlies from domestic abuse and ensure well-being of women and children in this state."

"We must go that extra mile. This (Magee) incident is certainly not the first time we have heard about this kind of violence after a woman has taken the steps to secure a restraining order. It is simply more tragic because small children were involved -- one who lost his life at the hand of his father. This kind of senseless violence must end. Domestic violence must be taken seriously for the crime that it is and perpetrators must be brought to justice. If we need to augment the laws or find a better way to implement the existing laws, then so be it," Broome said.

Broome said that domestic abuse figures are "staggering" since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The senator said she will also request a review of existing domestic violence legislation to ensure its efficacy of enforcement.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Rodney "Jack" Strain, Jr. said that of the 260 cases his office handles annually that the Magee case initially did not stand out in any way over the other reports of domestic violence until it escalated into the incident that left two dead and two wounded.

Broome asked that victims of domestic violence contact their local lawmakers or call her directly at (225) 342-2040, if they wish to share information on domestic violence or testify at the hearing.